KR20060135895A - Reclosable passageway in slider for reclosable bag - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a slider (20) for opening and closing a bag opening (16) of a bag (10), wherein the bag opening (16) has opposed interlocking features (18), the slider (20) comprising a movable body (38) in the bag opening (16), between the opposed interlocking features (18), to engage and disengage the interlocking features (18) as the body (38) moves, a passageway (26) in the body (38), to provide access between an interior of the bag (14) and an area outside of the bag (28); and a valve (80) for selectively opening and closing the passageway (26) and to provide an access through the passageway (26) between the bag interior (14) and the outside of the bag (28).

Description

Retractable aisle in slider for retractable bag {RECLOSABLE PASSAGEWAY IN SLIDER FOR RECLOSABLE BAG}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of general containers, and more particularly to multipurpose bags and special storage bags.

Bags are widely used and recognized as simple, versatile, lightweight and inexpensive containers. Bags with openable and retractable openings are useful to provide better safety for the contents and storage purposes. These bags also have the advantage of better protection against perishable or sensitive contents, or can prevent contamination of the environment from toxic or dangerous contents.

The shape of a conventional openable bag is connected along three sides and has two rectangular plastic film panels that are left open, usually one top. Openable openings or zippers may be made in the open side part by forming an engaging strip in the opposing panel, for example by means of protrusions and recesses. The bag can be conveniently closed by bringing both panels into snaps into the recesses and engaging each other, and can be conveniently opened by twisting both panels apart.

In some cases, sliders are added to facilitate opening and closing of the bag. The slider is a separate piece, typically a piece of molded plastic, which is installed around the edge of the panel that forms the bag opening so that it can slide along the strip. The slider is generally configured to apply an inward tightening pressure so that the opposing panels are connected or engaged with each other and also include a separator or finger across the bag opening. With this arrangement, the slider is pushed in the closing direction when the bag is closed, and the slider is moved along the opening direction which is the reverse direction when the bag is opened.

For many uses, such as the storage of food, solutions, or biological waste, it is desirable to form a hermetic seal or leak proof seal of a closed bag. However, a bag with a slider is typically prevented from forming a hermetic seal due to the separator or finger of the slider crossing the opening. As one proposed solution, US Pat. No. 6,526,632 discloses a slider that lifts the separating member from the bag opening by rotating the slider upwards at the closed end. However, such a device is more complicated than a conventional slider, incurring additional costs and clearly requiring the use of custom-made counterpart fasteners 12.

Another desirable feature, particularly for perishable contents, is the ability to remove remaining air from the interior of a closed bag. For example, a common behavior by users of home storage bags is to first close the bag and leave the opening small. The bag is then squeezed out of the remaining air through the small opening, after which the user quickly closes the small opening before air enters the bag again. However, this method is usually inconvenient and inconsistent. This behavior is also awkward, especially for people with poor motor skills.

Several attempts have been made to make an openable bag with an integrated unit for removing air. For example, U. S. Patent No. 6,045, 264 discloses a bag in which the top of the opening is divided into a main opening and a smaller discharge opening. The latter opening is configured to include a suction conduit for use in removing remaining internal air. U. S. Patent No. 5,839, 582 discloses a bag having an arc shaped pump chamber with a suction port and a one-way valve. When the bag is closed, the pump chamber can be pressurized to vent air through the one-way valve. US Pat. No. 4,532,652 discloses a protrusion attached to a hole formed in one of the film side panels. Compressing the bag, the protrusion is separated from the side panel, allowing air to be exhausted through the hole. Then, when the protrusion returns to the position covering the hole, further outflow of internal air is prevented.

All these devices require modifications to standard storage bags, resulting in increased costs. In addition, since the bag does not use a slider, it may cause difficulty in forming a hermetic seal by the slider.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an openable bag that can overcome one or more of the problems associated with such conventional bags.

Preferably, the bag should be easy and convenient for the user to close. In particular, it is desirable if the bag is configured to use a slider to facilitate a strong hermetic seal and opening and closing the bag. Strong seals help to maintain the freshness of perishable contents better and better protect the environment from toxic substances. The bag is also configured to allow the user to conveniently remove any remaining air, gas, or fluid from inside the bag after the bag is closed and to conveniently fill gas or fluid into the bag without breaking the airtight seal. desirable.

In order to keep costs low, it is desirable that the bag can be manufactured by conventional production techniques using common materials and components. The bag is preferably suitable for production as a general purpose storage bag or as a commercial container for beverages and other articles. Another desirable feature is that the features of the opening and closing of the bag can be changed. In this way, instead of the conventional configuration in which one side of the slider opens the bag and the other side of the slider closes the bag, for example, the bag opening can be left closed on both sides of the slider when the slider is moved. Can be. This feature can add to the flexibility of production in producing openable bags that better meet the needs of other applications. It is also desirable for the bag to have a feature that effectively holds the liquid and prevents the liquid from flowing out unexpectedly.

therefore,

(a) a bag portion forming a bag interior and a bag opening;

(b) means for opening and closing the bag opening, wherein the means

      (i) opposing engagement portions formed along the bag opening, the opposing engagement portions being sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged; And

      (ii) in the bag opening, disposed between the opposing engagement portions such that the engagement portion engages or disengages as it moves, and is configured to seal the bag opening when positioned at one end of the bag opening; With a slider;

(c) a passage within said slider, said passage providing entry between said interior of said bag and an outer region of said bag; And

(d) means for selectively opening and closing the passage;

It contains,

When the slider moves to the end of the bag opening to close the bag opening, an openable bag is provided through which the entry can be selectively provided between the inside of the bag and the outer region of the bag.

Reference numerals to preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings are used for illustrative purposes only.

1 is a perspective view of the openable bag of the present invention with the slider in an intermediate position;

2 is a perspective view of the retractable bag of FIG. 1 with the slider in the closed or closed position;

3A is a cross-sectional view of the openable bag of FIG. 1 showing that the bag is in an unengaged state;

3B is a cross-sectional view of the openable bag of FIG. 3A showing that the bag is in an unengaged state;

4 is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the present invention installed state;

5 is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 1 showing an invisible element;

6 is a side view of the slider of FIG. 1 without a handle;

7A is a perspective view of the slider of the present invention showing the open edge of the slider;

7B is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 7A rotated to show the other side of the slider;

FIG. 7C shows the slider of FIG. 7A seen from the front; FIG.

8A is a perspective view of the slider of the present invention showing the closed edge of the slider;

8B is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 8A rotated to show the other side of the slider;

8C shows the slider of FIG. 8A seen from the front;

9A is a front view of the closed edge of the slide of FIG. 9 with one side of the slider omitted;

FIG. 9B is the same view as FIG. 9A with the other side of the slider omitted; FIG.

10 is a perspective view of the retractable bag of FIG. 1 showing the suction device in the slider passageway and the contents inside the bag;

11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retractable bag of the present invention, showing the fastening element and the slider;

12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retractable bag of the present invention, showing a round commercial drink pack; And

Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retractable bag of the present invention showing a commercial drink pack with a reinforcement plate.

The openable bag of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and indicated by reference numeral 10. There is a bag portion 12 that forms the bag interior 14. This bag portion is generally sealed or closed along its edge except for the bag opening 16, and the bag opening 16 forms an unsealed portion that can be selectively opened or closed. In FIG. 1, the bag opening 16 is an unsealed portion of the top of the bag between the ends 22 and 24.

The openable bag includes means for selectively opening and closing the bag opening. The means for selectively opening and closing the bag opening is generally composed of two elements of opposing engagement portions 18 formed along the bag opening 16 and a slider 20. This slider 20 is located in the bag opening 16 between the opposing engagements 18 and is generally movable along at least a portion of the length of the opposing engagements. The slider 20 is also configured to engage or disengage a portion of the opposing engagement portion 18 as it moves.

In FIG. 1, the slider 20 is shown to be in an intermediate position between the end 22 and the end 24 of the bag opening 16. In this position, the opposing engagement portion 18 is engaged with respect to the closure 15 of the bag opening 16 between the end 22 and the slider 20, and between the slider 20 and the end 24. The opening 17 of the bag opening 16 is disengaged. In FIG. 2, the openable bag 10 is shown with the slider 20 fully moved to the end 24. In this position it can be seen that the opposing engagements 18 are engaged over the entire length from the end 22 to the end 24 of the bag opening 16. It can be seen that the closure 15 is at its maximum length at this position of the slider 20.

The retractable bag 10 is hermetically sealed in a generally hermetic state when the slider is in the position shown in FIG. 2 with the engaging portion 18 fully engaged and the bag opening 16 fully closed. It is configured to be. The invention also includes a passage 26 providing entry (access) between the bag interior 14 and the outer zone 28 of the bag, and means for selectively opening and closing the passage. In FIG. 1, this passage 26 is shown inside the slider 20. Thus, the bag of the present invention selectively passes through the passageway 26 between the bag interior 14 and the outer zone 28 when the bag opening 16 is completely closed and the bag 10 is hermetically sealed. It can provide an entry.

Bag portion 12 of the present invention includes any structure that provides the functionality of a container or bag. More specifically, the bag portion 12 defines a bag interior 14, which is a space inside the bag with a capacity to accommodate various storages.

The bag opening 16 represents a zone or space in which an access road can be formed into the bag interior 14. Depending on the application, bag contents may be recovered through the bag opening 16. The bag opening 16 is a material used to form the bag portion 12 and is preferably formed by a non-sealed or non-adhesive joint, but the cutouts, slits, cutouts, gaps, It may be formed by a hole or another gap. Thus, the location of the bag opening 16 can be placed along the edges, borders, or seams of two or more pieces of bag material, or along the top, bottom, side, diagonal, or other portions of the material. .

As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the simple bag portion 12 can be made by connecting two rectangular panel materials along three of the four side portions. As an alternative embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 1 may be made by folding a single sheet material to form two panels and sealing the two side portions. For convenience of display, the two panels may be represented by the front panel 30 and the rear panel 32. In this embodiment, the bag interior 14 is the volume of the space between the two panels 30, 32 and the bag opening 16 is an area surrounded by the edges of the two panels on the unsealed upper side of the bag. to be.

The bag portion 12 also preferably includes a support 33 adjacent the bag opening 16 at the outer portion of the bag. This support 33 may take the form of a ridge, ledge, bulge, or similar protrusion, for example. In the bag of Fig. 1, the support 33 is a thick bag material formed along the open side of the top of each panel of the bag. As described in more detail below, the support 33 provides a surface that doubles the support or attachment of the slider 20.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the bag portion 12 can be made as long as such embodiments form a bag interior 14 capable of retaining the contents and a bag opening 16 providing access to the bag interior. have. Some alternative embodiments include a bag portion 12 formed of a single spherical material having no panels or seams, as shown in FIG. 12, or a more complex reinforcement with six panels, as shown in FIG. Includes a plate bag. In such an embodiment, the bag opening 16 may be formed by a cutout or cutout in the material forming the bag portion 12.

Bag portion 12 has a density sufficient to contain air, gas, liquid, or other fluid contents without leakage and is preferably formed of a material that is strong enough to maintain the expected contents without damage. This material is preferably water resistant so as not to lose its structural strength by contact with water. For this reason, bags made of plastic or polyethylene are known to be suitable. Depending on the application, other materials such as films, laminates, or coated or specially treated paper may produce appropriate results. The bag material is preferably smooth, but may also be a laminate structure. Often laminate structures may be particularly desirable for large bags because they can provide a channel for the inner air flow of the bag interior 14.

In order to maintain the flexibility of the bag, it may be desirable for the bag material to be flexible or elastic. The degree of flexibility of the bag material may vary depending on the application. However, in order to effectively close the bag opening 16, it is desirable to have at least sufficient flexibility so that a portion of the bag portion 12 forming the boundary of the bag opening 16 can be pulled together by the user.

In general, the bag 10 of the present invention is configured to be closed or closed over the surface and all the seams and edges of the entire area, except for the bag opening 16 which can be selectively opened and closed. Therefore, closing the bag opening 16 has the effect of completely surrounding the bag interior 14 and closing the bag 10. Bag 10 may be represented by the expression "openable" in each case, meaning that the bag can be repeatedly opened and closed.

In FIG. 1, the bag opening 16 is formed in the space between the opposing panel 30 and the upper edge of the unsealed side of the panel 32. The engaging portion 18 is provided on the inner side of the panel 32 and the panel 30 which oppose the boundary of the bag opening 16. This engagement portion 18 may be referred to in more detail as a front engagement portion 34 on the front panel 30 and a rear engagement portion 36 on the rear panel 32. The engagement portions 18 are located opposite each other and are sized and shaped to engage the panels 30 and 32 when they are pulled together to close the bag opening 16.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the position of the engagement portion 18 is at the upper inner edge of the panel 30 and the panel 32. This positional relationship is desirable because it can maximize the internal space 14 of the bag 10. However, this engagement portion 18 can be placed anywhere in the bag 10 and in any direction forming an opposing pair of sizes and shapes that can close the bag opening portion 16 when engaged. It can be seen that it can be oriented.

The engagement portion 18 engages the opposing panels of the bag portion 12 with each other when the opposing panels are pulled together and close together to close the bag opening 16, and the bag opening 16 again. And a state in which the engaged panels are disengaged from each other when the panels engaged to open are pulled apart from each other. The engagement portion 18 is preferably sufficiently robust in design and construction so that it can be repeatedly opened and closed within the expected life of the bag 10 without causing excessive damage to the strength of the engagement portion. It is also preferred that the engagement portion be sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged. With this configuration, fluid reservoirs in the bag interior 14 do not leak out of the bag, for example, through the engaging engagement.

The preferred type of engagement portion 18 consists of mechanical elements that engage each other through an interference fit or snap fit, such that one element is slid, pressed or snapped into the other element. do. Such a device is commonly referred to as a "tongue and groove" device or a male and female device wherein the inner piece is a tongue or male coupling and the outer piece is a groove or female coupling. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of this engagement portion 18. In FIG. 3A, a male or protrusion 34 and a female or recess 36 are shown. In this figure, since the opposing engagement portions are not connected or engaged, the bag opening 16 is open. In FIG. 3B, the protrusion 34 and the recess 36 are engaged with each other in a state where the protrusion 34 is inserted into the recess 36 by snap fitting. The protrusions 34 and the recesses 36 are formed of the same plastic material as the panels 30 and 32, and preferably have a shape such that the protrusions 34 closely fit inside the recesses 36. Do. The combination of the interference fit and the elasticity of the material causes the pair of engagements to form a valid seal and engaged unless sufficient force is applied to the opposing panels 30 and 32 to separate the pair of engagements from each other. Becomes resistant to release. The larger the protrusion 34 is in comparison with the recess 36, the more difficult it is to snap-fit the protrusion 34 and the recess 36 to each other, but the stronger the connection and the tighter the seal.

It is known that the preferred device shown in FIG. 3 is generally suitable, especially for low cost applications, because it provides adequate performance and can be produced at low cost. However, other types of engagements can also be engaged or disengaged without significant difficulty, as long as they can maintain a minimum sufficient strength of engagement and maintain the strength of this engagement even after repeated opening and closing. It can be seen that it is included in the invention. As another possible embodiment, for example, it may include magnetic means for engaging or disengaging the opposing panels.

The slider 20 is preferably an independent element separate from the bag portion 12. 5-9 show various views of the preferred embodiment of the slider 20, which are shown alone, ie not coupled to the bag portion 12, in order to double the clarity of the independent slider elements. have.

Referring to FIG. 5, the slider 20 generally includes a central body 38 having a handle 40 protruding on both sides. The body 38 has an upper portion 42, a bottom portion 44, and a pair of side portions 46, and the pair of side portions are further divided into side portions 45 and side portions 47. do. The pair of side portions 46 comprise a portion of the slider 20 which faces or contacts the opposing engagement portion 18 of the bag 12.

In FIG. 5, the central body 38 has the widest width in the center and narrows gradually toward both ends, that is, the edge portions 48 and 50. Each of these edge portions 48, 50 extends over the length from the top 42 to the bottom 44 of the central body 38. The slider 20 is also preferably sized and shaped to be complementary to the shape of one end of the bag opening in order to enable a better seal. As a result of this preferred configuration, in plan view the central body 38 resembles a flat oval forming an end at one point of each end. This form of the slider 20 is shown in FIG. 1 and in dashed lines showing the upper edges of the opposing panels 30, 32 in the bag opening 16 surrounding the elliptical central body 38 of the slider 20. It can be seen in FIG. 2.

The handle 40 provides a support for keeping the slider 20 attached to the bag 12 and also provides a handle for the user to lift the slider when moving the slider. The handle 40 is attached to or extends from the central body 38 of the slider near the top 42 or near the top 42 and extends outwardly to both sides and towards the bottom 44. It is desirable to extend downward to some extent. It is also preferred that the bottom of the handle extends inward toward the central body 38 to form the support ledge 52. In FIG. 5, the handle 40 includes an outwardly facing panel 53, a downwardly facing panel 54, and an inwardly facing panel 55. However, it can be appreciated, for example, that the handle 40 formed from a single curved panel may be appropriate. In other embodiments that provide a larger surface area, the handle 40 may be raised vertically above the top 42 of the central body of the slide before facing outward and downward.

It can be seen that the handle 40 includes both an inner portion facing the slider's side 46 and an outer portion facing away from the slider's side 46. The outer portion provides a surface that can be gripped by the user to hold or move the slider 20. Accordingly, the handle 40 and in particular the outer portion of the handle 40 are preferably sized and shaped to provide a comfortable and stable grip surface. Such a configuration may, for example, in the panel 54 include the use of a knotted rubber material or an indentation on the grip surface to provide more effective grip.

The handle 40 is also preferably sized and shaped such that the inner portion generally follows the contour of the side portion 46 of the slider. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, the inner portion of the handle 40 extends along an elliptical contour of the central body 38 that extends outwardly from both ends 48, 50 toward the center of the central body 38. . As can be seen from the figure, the handle 40 and its inner portion continue to extend toward the end 48 of the slider's central body 38 but slightly shorter towards the end 50. The reason for this configuration is related to the different functions performed by the end 48 and the end 50 and are described in detail below.

The slider 20 also includes a panel 30, in which the gap or clearance between the side portion 46 of the central body 38 and the inner portion of the handle 40 is along the bag opening 16 of the bag portion 12. It is preferred to be configured to be approximately equal to the thickness of each of 32). More specifically, because the gap or gap is slightly larger than the bag's panel thickness, the bag's panel is inserted or fitted between the slider's central body 38 and the handle 40 while maintaining a tight and stable connection. There is enough space for.

7 and 8 provide a detailed view of the side portion 46 of the slider 20. For the sake of clarity, the handle 40 is schematically shown in these figures so that the center body 38 and the side portion 46 of the slider can be seen more clearly. It can be seen that each of the side portions 45, 47 has a side rail 56, more particularly, a side rail 58 on the side portion 45 and a side rail 60 on the side portion 47. Since the side rails 56 are of a size and shape that can be male-featured or slidably engaged with the engaging portion 18 of the bag portion 12, it is preferably composed of protrusions or recesses. 7A and 8B, it can be seen that the side rails 58 are formed of protrusions or male connections, and from FIGS. 7B and 8A, the side rails 60 are formed of recesses or female connections. .

The side rails 56 are preferably located in the center of the central body 38, which is at the same distance from the top 42 and the bottom 44. This side rail 56 is also preferably formed by chamfering the desired shape of the projections or recesses in the side portions 46 so that the side portions 46 can maintain a flat or equally high profile.

The side rail 56 generally extends the length of the side portion 46, but changes shape as the end 48 or end 50 approaches. The end or edge portion 50 is shown highlighted in FIG. 7, where FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of the side portion 45 and the side rails 58 which are protrusions, and FIG. 7B shows the side portion 47 and the side rails being recessed. A perspective view of 60 is provided, and FIG. 7C provides a front view of both side portions and both side rails. It can be seen that the side rails 56 terminate just before the edge portion 50 so that they do not interact, abut, or otherwise contact each other. In essence, since the edge 50 separates the side rails 56, it maintains a generally continuous line from the top 42 to the bottom 44 of the central body 38 of the slider.

Likewise, the end or edge portion 48 is shown highlighted in FIG. 8, where FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of the side rail 60 that is a side portion and a recess, and FIG. 8B shows a side rail 45 that is a side portion 45 and a protrusion. 58 is provided, and FIG. 8C provides a front view of both side portions and both side rails. In this case, the side rails 56 intersect, creating a hollow portion 62 where the side rails meet along the edge portion 48.

9 is a diagram for doubling the clarity of the shape of the edge portion 48. 9A, side rails 60 are shown as recesses, but for example purposes the side sections 45 are left blank without side rails 58. It can be seen that the recess 60 extends up to the edge portion 48 and surrounds the edge portion so that the recess separates a small portion of the side portion 45. Likewise, in Fig. 9B, the side rails 58, which are protrusions, are shown with the side portions 47 left blank. In this case, the side rails 58, which are protrusions, also extend to the edge portion 48 and extend around the edge portion to the side portion 47. If the two side rails of FIG. 9 are combined, the result is a hollow portion 62 along the edge portion 48 shown in the various views of FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the central body 38 of the slider shown along the side portion 47, showing the side rail 60 as a recess. As both the side rail 60 and the side rail 58 (not shown) are terminated just before the edge portion 50, it can be seen that the edge portion 50 remains in a continuous state. In this regard, the side rail 60 extends to the edge portion 48 and surrounds the edge portion 48 along the side rail 58 (not shown) which makes the hollow portion 62. As will be explained in more detail below, the configuration of the side rails at the edge portion 50 is such that the configuration at the edge portion 48 is to engage the engagement portion 18, while the opposite engagement portion is opposed. Has the effect of disengaging (18). For this reason, the ends of the slider may be marked as opening or separating edge 50 and closing or connecting edge 48.

The opening edge portion 50 can be made to form a vertical line edge. However, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, the edge portion 50 is preferably configured to include the protrusion 64 at one or more locations along the length of the edge portion. The protrusion 64 is preferably sized and shaped such that the slider 20 forms a closer and more complementary fit with the end of the bag opening 16. Due to this configuration, a more effective seal is formed when the slider moves to one end of the bag opening 16.

The slider 20 also preferably includes a passage 26 which is a hole formed along the entire height of the slider from the top 42 to the bottom 44. 5 shows a slider 20 with a hidden portion of the passage 26 shown in dashed lines. The passageway may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, elliptical or rectangular, but circular is preferred. The passage may be located anywhere on the slider, but is preferably located adjacent to the center of the slider or to the center of the slider. The passage 26 can be of any size in diameter or width unless the structural integrity of the slider is compromised. It is also preferred that the passageway be sized and shaped to accommodate the fluid delivery conduit, through which the gas, fluid or solid material can flow or pass through, and discussed further below.

The slider 20 is preferably made of polyethylene or plastic material. Plastics are preferred because they are relatively strong, light, water resistant, and inexpensive. Another advantage of plastic is that it can be made relatively easily in a complex form, such as slider 20. Complex shapes, such as the slider 20, can be made, for example, through the general production techniques of injection molding, using standard molds designed to follow the shape of the slider 20. Plastic is also the preferred slider material when bag portion 12 is plastic, so that various components can be easily integrated. It will be appreciated that other materials may be included in the present invention as long as they have all or part of the above characteristics. Other possible materials for the slider may include metal, alloy or wood, for example.

When forming the bag 10 of the present invention, the central body 38 of the slider 20 is the bag opening such that the side portion 46 is positioned between the opposing faces of the front engagement 34 and the rear engagement 36. It is disposed inside of 16. As shown in FIG. 4 in cross section, the slider 20 is attached to the bag portion 12 on both the inside and outside of the bag.

On the inside of the bag, the side rails 56 of the slider are male to female or slidably engaged with the opposing engagement portion 18 of the bag portion 12. For the embodiment of FIG. 4, the projection of the front engagement portion 34 is snapped or fitted into the recess of the side rail 58, and the projection of the side rail 60 is recessed of the rear engagement portion 36. It is snapped or fitted inside of the department. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of this interaction element are possible as long as the slider is slidably engaged with the bag portion 12. For example, with the side rails 58, 60 projecting outward from the side of the slider, the engagement portion 18 can be made coplanar with the bag portion 12.

On the outside of the bag, it can be seen that the handle 40 of the slider is of a size and shape that can fit or closely fit to the outer support 33 of the bag portion 12. In particular, the handle 40 surrounds the support 33 so that the bottom of the support 33 lies on the support ledge 52 of the handle 40. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the above elements are possible as long as the handle provides a means for securing the slider to the outside of the bag portion 12. For example, as long as they fit together to form a tight fit, the particular shape of the support 33 and the handle 40 can be changed. Likewise, in addition to the mechanical fit, other types of attachment are also possible, such as for example a magnetic connection between the inside of the handle 40 and the opposite outer edge of the bag portion 12 or the support 33. .

It can be seen that the combination of the interference fit of the handles around the outer support 33 with the inner engagement element inside the bag keeps the slider 20 in close contact with the bag portion 12. In particular, the slider 20 is attached such that it can not fall into the bag interior 14 or break off from an unexpectedly open top. Without special effort, the slider 20 resists any attempt to detach or remove it from the bag portion 12.

Because the slider moves along the bag opening 16, the slider 20 is of a size and shape that can engage or disengage the engagement portion 18. More specifically, the shape of the edge portions 48, 50 of the slider 20 determines that a given portion of the bag opening 16 engages or disengages as the slide moves in a particular direction.

With reference to the preferred embodiment of the retractable bag 10 shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the slider 20 can be moved in two directions, from the intermediate position towards the end 22 or the end 24. have. Regardless of which direction the slider moves, one of the slider edges 48 and 50 faces the end in the direction of movement, while the other edge follows the other end. The bag 10 of the present invention has an engagement portion 18 at the portion where the slider has moved, depending on the trailing end or edge portion of the slider 20 as the slider moves along a portion of the bag opening 16. Is configured to be connected or engaged, separated or disengaged.

More specifically, in FIG. 1, the slider 20 is designed such that the edge 48 to which it connects faces toward the end 22 of the bag 10 or the closed portion 15 of the bag opening 16. The edge part 50 is arrange | positioned so that it may face the edge part 24 of the bag or the open part 17 of the bag opening part 16. As shown in FIG. As the slider 20 moves toward the end 24, the engagement portion 18 is connected, closed or engaged along the subsequent connecting edge portion 48. By this arrangement, the closed part 15 increases in length and the length of the open part 17 with this same length decreases. As shown in FIG. 2, when the slider reaches the end 24, the entire length of the engagement portion 18 is closed. Likewise, as the slider 20 moves toward the end 22, for example as it moves from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 1, the engagement portion 18 follows the separating edge 50. As such, they are separated, opened, or disengaged.

The function of connecting and disconnecting the slider 20 can be seen by tracking the path of the engagement portion 18 through the edge portions 48, 50 of the slider 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement portion slidably engages the side rail 56 over most of the length of the side portion 46 of the slider. As the slider of FIG. 1 moves toward the end 24, a portion of the engagement through the trailing edge portion 48 is pulled together due to the continuation of the side rails to the edge portion 48. As each side rail wraps around the opposite side portion at the edge 48, the slidingly engaging projection 34 and the recess 36 are brought into contact so that the projection 34 is recessed ( 36) snapped or pressurized into. The inner portion of the handle 40 also follows the contour of the side portion 46 to the edge portion 48. The gap between the inner portion of the handle 40 and the side portion 46 is very small, and preferably the panel 30, 32 is slightly thicker than the thickness of the upper edge of each of the panels 30, 32. Follow the back of the side rails 56 and meet each other. By this arrangement, the engaging portion 18 is closed part of FIG. 2 from slidingly engaging the side rails 46 of the slider, for example as indicated by reference numerals 65 and 66 of FIG. 1. It is flexibly switched to being engaged with each other as shown at the corresponding position of (15).

Conversely, when the slider 20 moves toward the end 22, a portion of the opposing engagements 34, 36 that pass through the following edge 50, is separated from both sides of the separating edge 50. At the end of the side rails 56 are not engaged with each other. In addition, the inner portion of the handle 40 merely follows the outline of the side portion 46 to a point that falls short of the separating edge portion 50. It is not desirable to press the engagement portions together at the separating edge portion 50 so that the inner part of the handle 40 does not have to extend continuously. In conclusion, as the contours of the slider 20 narrow toward the edge 50, the opposing engagements 34, 36 approach each other, so that the guides or tracks on the side rails of the slider, or the opposing engagements. Since there is no pressure in the outward direction from the handle 40 to hold the part together, the opposing engagement portion remains separated when the opposing engagement portion escapes the side rails 56.

It can be seen that other opening / closing properties of the openable bag 10 can be achieved by changing the structure of the slider 20. For example, instead of having both the connecting edge portion 48 and the separating edge portion 50, the slider 20 can be made to have two connecting edge portions 48. In this case, the bag opening 16 is kept closed on both sides of the slider with respect to its entire length, even for any position of the slider. As an alternative embodiment, if the slider consists of having two separating edge portions 50, no part of the bag opening 16 is closed.

The openable bag 10 is configured to form an airtight seal in the bag interior 14 when the bag opening 16 is fully closed. As shown in FIG. 2, this condition occurs when the slider 20 is moved to the closed position of the end 24.

The engagement portion of the present invention is preferably of a size and shape capable of forming a seal when engaged. In particular, the engaging portion 34, which is a protrusion, and the engaging portion 36, which is a recess, are preferably of a size and shape capable of forming an airtight seal when engaged with each other or snap-fitting with each other. Thus, when the slider 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, the closed portion 15 of the bag opening 16 from the end 22 to the end 48 of the slider is formed of the engagement portion 18. The engagement results in airtightness.

The slider 20 is configured to seal the bag opening when located at one end of the bag opening 16. The slider 20 is thus preferably configured to form a seal around all of its boundaries. In the position where the closed portion 15 meets the edge portion 48 to which it connects, the engaging portions 18 are pressed against each other by the pressure in the inward direction of the handle to be fitted, so as to be connected with the side rail 56. In this way, a hermetic seal is maintained at the boundary of the engagement portion 18 and the slider 20. A hermetic seal due to the snap fit between the side rail 56 and the engagement portion 18 is maintained along the side portion 46 of the slider. Accordingly, the side rails 56 are preferably of a size and shape capable of forming an airtight fit or engagement with the engagement portion 18. At the boundary between the separating edge portion 50 and the bag 10, the slider 20 and particularly the separating edge portion 50 are formed to be complementary to the shape of the bag opening 16 at the end 24. The hermetic seal is thereby formed. In the preferred embodiment of the bag 10, the edge portion 50 of the slider has a "V" shape and thus is complementary to the similar "V" shape of the bag opening 16 at the end 24. Is fitted. It is preferable that the edge part 50 to separate also includes the protrusion part 64. As shown in the side view of FIG. 6, such a configuration projects an airtight seal by protruding from the slider to fill any additional space that may be disposed in the bag opening 16 at the end 24 where air may leak. Helps to maintain.

It will be appreciated that other shapes of slider 20 and bag portion 12 may also be used if the shape of the end of the slider and the end of the bag opening 16 are complementary enough to form a close fit. It can also be seen how the present invention is improved. Sliders used in the past usually include separators or fingers to separate or separate panels. This separator is generally configured to perform such a function and does not form a complementary fit with the bag opening. Since the separator prevents the slider from completely closing the bag opening, such a slider is generally unable to seal the bag opening in a conventional path.

In order to maintain a hermetic seal, once the slider reaches the end 24, it is desirable to have a latch or other means at the end to hold the slider 20 in place and prevent it from returning. In the present invention this configuration can be carried out by detents, which are catches or levers which fix the movement of one part of the instrument. The detent may be placed anywhere on the slider 20 or the bag portion 12.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the bag portion 12 includes a first detent 68 and the slider 20 includes a second detent 70 inside the handle 40. The first detent 68 and the second detent 70 are configured to engage each other when the slider moves to the closed position. The first detent 68 is preferably a ridge or protruding node on the outer surface of the bag portion 12, such as an external support 33. The second detent 70 is preferably an indentation inside the handle 40. When the slider 20 is moved to the closed position, the first detent 68 snaps or engages with the second detent 70. The connection formed in this way is strong enough to hold the slider 20 in place, and when the user wants to open the bag again, the user can push the slider toward the end 22 without losing the connection. It is desirable to be able to overcome.

As long as the slider 20 is prevented from retracting and a good seal is maintained, other embodiments for latching the slider are possible. For example, FIG. 10 shows a slider 20 having a flap 72 lying on top 42 of the slider 20. In the sealed position shown in FIG. 10, the flap can be moved or rotated or otherwise positioned to snap into a detent (not shown) on the outer edge of the bag portion 12. When desiring to move the slider, the flap 72 may be upright and unobstructed to impart mobility to the slider.

The passageway 26 is of a type that can provide access between the bag interior 14 and the outer zone 28, even if the bag opening 16 is open or closed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the passage 26 is preferably integrally formed with or inside the slider 20. Since the slider is located in the engagement portion 18, even if the bag opening 16 is closed and hermetically sealed, access between the bag interior 14 and the outer zone 28 through the passage 26 is not affected. Will not. The passage 26 is of a size and shape that can provide access to the passage of a fluid such as a gas or liquid or a solid material such as particulates or powder.

In addition, the passage 26 is preferably sized and shaped to accept a fluid delivery tube 74, such as a pipe, tube or conventional straw. 10 is a schematic diagram of the fluid delivery tube 74. When such a mechanism is coupled to the passage from the outer region 28 of the bag, suction may remove fluid from the bag interior 14 through the passage 26. More specifically, a suction device having a coupling or insertion end 76 and a free end 78 may be coupled to the passage 26 at the top surface 42 of the slider. Suction is applied to the free end 78 to remove contents, such as liquid or gaseous fluid, from the bag interior 14. In industrial installations, the suction is preferably applied by a mechanical vacuum device. In products directly used by consumers, suction is preferably applied by the user's mouth acting on the free end 78 of the straw. Since the fluid delivery tube 74 should be removable, the size and shape of the passage 26 may be combined with the removable fluid delivery tube and may be disengaged. In this manner, after the fluid is removed from the bag interior 14, the fluid delivery tube 74 can be conveniently removed, so that the fluid delivery tube is not an obstacle to using the bag 10 as a storage container. .

Passage 26 preferably includes means for opening or closing the passage, ie valve 80, as shown in FIG. The valve 80 may be located inside the passage 26, the size, shape and configuration of which is a kind of device or structure having at least one closed state and at least one open state. When the valve 80 is in the closed state, the flow of fluid through the passage 26 is blocked. In this state, when the bag opening 16 is completely closed, an airtight state is provided inside the bag 14. When the valve 80 is in the open state, access or flow of fluid between the bag interior 14 and the bag's outer side 28 is enabled. When the valve 80 is open and the bag opening 16 is fully closed, access to the bag interior 14 will only be possible through the passage 26 and the valve 80.

The valve 80 is preferably a one-way valve through which fluid can only flow in one direction when the valve is in the open state. For example, with a one-way valve, access to or flow of fluid from the bag interior 14 to the outer zone 28 of the bag is allowed, but the flow of fluid from the outer zone 28 of the bag to the bag interior 14 is blocked. For example, valves of this kind would be useful for removing air from bags used to store food or perishable contents. Optionally, the one-way valve allows entry of the fluid to flow in only the other direction from the outside 28 of the bag to the inside of the bag 14 and to block the passage of fluid from the inside of the bag 14 to the outside 28. It may be formed. This type of valve will be useful for applications where it is desirable to inject into the bag a special gas or liquid that preserves or protects the bag contents, such as using formaldehyde to preserve a biological sample.

The bag 10 of the present invention involves the use of almost any type of valve 80 to achieve the desired flow characteristics through the passage 26. For example, the valve 80 may be a two-way type instead of a one-way type. A two-way valve is a valve with two open aspects in which one open aspect allows flow in one direction and the other open aspect allows fluid flow in the other direction. Activation of certain open aspects may simply result from the use of a valve. For example, pressing the bag 10 will pressurize air from the bag interior 14 through the valve 80 toward the outside 28 of the bag. Optionally, the tube may be coupled to a passage 26 containing the valve and having a pressure applied to pressurize the liquid into the bag. In this open aspect, the valve will allow fluid flow from the exterior 28 to the bag interior 14 in the opposite direction of the first mode of use. Optionally, the two-way valve 80 may be configured such that the allowable flow direction is set via a switch on the valve itself or preferably on the surface of the slider 20.

The valve 80 may be formed such that when the passage is open, passage 26 is approximately or fully open such that fluid passing through the passage can flow at optimal high flow rates. Optionally, valve 80 may be configured to partially close passage 26 to any desired degree.

It can be seen that the valve is generally formed to be installed in a passageway or in a tube disposed inside the solid body. Therefore, since the passage 26 is preferably disposed inside the solid body of the slider 20, many types of standard valves can be installed in the passage 26 of the present invention. A common type of valve suitable for use within the passageway 26 of the present invention is a ball valve, such as valve 80 of FIG. 5. Inhalation through conduit 74 or the like, as pressure is applied to the ball valve, the ball will rise and open passage 26. Another type of valve 80 may be a pinch valve that provides entry through the passageway when the slider is squeezed or tightened. Likewise, many other types of valves can be used in the present invention that are widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. In addition to the ball valve or the pinch valve, the valve 80 may be, for example, a flapper valve, an air valve or a check valve.

The present invention involves the use of a slider 20 without an integral passageway 26. Since the slider 20 opens and closes the bag opening 16 and creates a hermetic seal when in the fully closed position, the bag 10 made with the slider 20 can be used without the passage 26. It is possible. For example, the bag 10 is filled with a slider that is closed to form a liquid and hermetic seal to prevent leakage of the liquid. If the liquid contents have to be used, the slider will open slightly so that the liquid can spill out. Such a bag 10 will have the advantage of being easily opened and closed thanks to the slider 20 and also provides the benefit of a hermetic seal for better preservation of perishable contents or better storage of liquids.

The present invention also includes separating passage 26 from slider 20. Such a configuration is preferably implemented using an access element 82 that includes or is integrated with the passage 26. The access element 82 is generally a body located between two edges or panels of the bag 10 and including a passage 26 and a valve 80. The access element 82 may have a size and shape similar to the slider 20, or may have any other size and shape as long as it can be located between two edges of the bag 10. The access element 82 is preferably fixed in place. This can be accomplished, for example, by sealing panels 30, 32 around the side of access element 82, and the like.

In one embodiment, the two edges of the bag 10 may be the two edges of the opposing panels 30, 32 forming the bag opening 16. In this case, the side of the access element 82 is sealed between the opposing panels 30 and 32 in a number of ways known in the art. The bag 10 does not need to support the movement of the slider in that the engagement portion 18 is part of the bag opening 16, so that the bag 10 has no engagement portion 18 around the access element 82. It can also be made. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 11, which shows a movable slider 20 without passage 26 and an access element 82 with the passage 26 and a removable tube or straw 74. It is shown.

Where the access element 82 is installed, it can be seen that accessing the interior of the bag 14 using the passageway 26 is not affected by the specific position of the access element 82 in the bag 10. Thus, in another embodiment, the two edges of the bag 10 may be two edges of the opposing panels 30 and 32 that do not form the bag opening 16. This generally includes the periphery of the bag 10 other than the portion occupied by the bag opening 16. In FIG. 11, for example, an access element 82 is disposed between two edges, the two edges of which are the edges of panels 30 and 32 along the closed sides 84 and 86 of the bag 10. Can be

In this embodiment it is preferred that the access elements 82 are located between the edges of the opposing panels or bags 10 that are connected, welded, or joined together. Since the access element 82 can be disposed between panels and the panel is wrapped around the access element, such a device simplifies the manufacture of the bag. The panel is welded or sealed together as before, with the access element 82 sealed between the panels. Where the two opposing panels are connected by the folds, the installation of the access element is less convenient because holes need to be made. For example, if the bag 10 of FIG. 11 is formed of a single panel folded along the bottom side 88, it is less convenient to install the access element on the side 88. If the bag is formed of separate panels 30 and 32 to be welded or connected together along all edges, it is equally convenient to install the access element 82 along any side 84, 86, or 88.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be understood as the case where the access element 82 is a slider 20. This embodiment is preferred because a bag having a single body including a slider with an integral passageway is generally less expensive and more convenient to produce and use than a bag with two bodies comprising an access element and a slider. Do.

The production of a bag of the usual type involves connecting two rectangular panels along three sides or along opposite sides of a single folded panel and leaving the bag opening 16 open on one side. do. The slider can be inserted into the bag opening 16 during production to be movable along the bag opening 16 without becoming detachable from the bag itself. Standard production units also operate at high cycle rates or production rates, which lowers costs.

The bag portion 12 of the bag 10 of the present invention is likewise made of one or two plastic panels connected along two or three sides with the bag opening 16 left. Engagements 18 along bag opening 16 are likewise produced using standard production techniques. The slider of the present invention is formed as an independent body that can be produced by standard injection molding techniques. Thus, while the slider 20 is different in form and function from the slider of the prior art, it can be similarly manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, standard production equipment for the production of bags and slider installation is used to produce the bags 10 of the present invention. During production, the movable slider 20 is placed in the bag opening 16 and, if necessary, a separate access element 82 is installed at the bag opening 16 or along the joint or seam between the closures before the panel is closed. .

Thus, it can be seen that the bag 10 of the present invention can be price competitive with conventional slider bags lacking the many advantages of the bag 10 of the present invention or can be produced at about the same low price. Material costs for bags and sliders are similar to those of conventional bags, and production equipment can be used with the same or minor modifications. In addition, since standard production equipment is used, the industry standard high cycle rate of such equipment can continue to be applied. This is also evaluated to be an improvement over the prior art. Because prior art devices generally require bags and valves that have not been used in the prior art, the materials and production equipment of the bags and valves are generally non-standard and need to be customized. In addition, the cycle rate can also be lowered, thereby increasing the cost of each bag.

The operation of the present invention will be described by taking an example of an openable and retractable bag 10 composed of household storage bags as shown in FIG. The user will begin use by moving the slider 20 to the end 22 to open the bag opening 16. The user will place perishable food 90 into the bag interior 14 and close the bag by moving the slider 20 to the closed position of the end, ie the closed position 24. If the slider 20 is used in conjunction with the detents 68 and 70, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user may hear how the slider moves by listening or sensing that the detent snaps into place. It will be possible to determine if it is, which causes the slider to engage the second end 24. Alternatively, if the slider includes a latch 72, as in FIG. 10, the user will be able to lock the slider in place by rotating the latch to the lower position to snap in place.

At this point, the bag is hermetically sealed but may contain air remaining inside the bag 14. The user may exchange air or fluid between the bag interior 14 and the bag exterior 28 through the passage 26 in the opening and closing bag opening 16. For example, by inserting the insertion end 76 of the hollow tube 74 into the passage 26 and suctioned at the free end 78, air or fluid can be removed from the bag interior 14. When used by the consumer, it may be desirable to suck the hollow tube 74 into the user's mouth using a straw. In this embodiment, the valve 80 may be a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow only in the direction from the bag inner 14 to the outer 28. If all or substantially all of the air in the bag interior 14 is removed, the tube 74 will be removed from the passage 26 and the bag 10 will be in storage. In another embodiment, instead of using the hollow tube 74, the bag 10 may be compressed such that the remaining air is forced out of the bag interior 14 through the passage 26. This method may be performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 with a slider and an access element 82.

It is appreciated that the method of closing the bag of the present invention represents an improvement over the prior art. In the prior art, the user will generally close the slider near the second end 24 leaving a small opening 17. The bag will be compressed so that the remaining air escapes through the opening 17. The user will then close the slider with the other hand while keeping the bag pressed with one hand to prevent air from flowing inside while the slider is closed. In addition, even if the bag is closed, since the conventional slider has a separator or a finger, a hermetic seal is not easily formed in the bag opening. On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is possible to remove air from the bag by suctioning into the hollow tube 74 or compressing the bag using another method, and since all the air will be blocked by the valve 80, Don't worry about the possibilities. It can be seen that the method of closing the bag according to the invention is much easier and more convenient than the conventional method and can remove more air from the bag interior 14.

In another application of the invention, a valve 80 may be installed in the passage 26 to allow fluid inflow into the bag interior 14 but block outflow in the opposite direction. Such bags may be used in industrial environments to accommodate drinking fluids or other types of fluids for commercial sale. For example, when the contents are a drinking fluid, the valve 80 can be made bidirectional, so that the user can use a straw to suck the contents. Alternatively, two body constructions may be used, as in FIG. 11, in which case the slider 20 has a passage 26 with a valve that allows fluid to flow in only one direction, and the access element ( 82 has a passage 26 with a valve that allows fluid to flow only in the other direction.

In this case, one passage is used to fill the bag and the other passage is used to remove or drink the contents. In the case of non-drinkable fluids, the user may discard the contents by pressing the slider slightly open.

According to the present invention, various commercial bags are possible. Specifically possible for the designer of the bag 10: selection of edges 48 and 50 for the slider, use of one slider 20 or an additional access member 82 with one or two passages. Whether or not, selection of the form of the valve 80, whether to seal the whole or part of the engagement portion 18, and the like. Designers can also choose from a variety of bag shapes in addition to the standard two panel configurations.

For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment of a bag 10 suitable for use as a commercial beverage container. FIG. 12 is a round container and FIG. 13 is a rectangular container added at the end. Round containers have the advantage of being inexpensive, providing a large interior space compared to the materials used, and optimizing the storage capacity as the surrounding bags are compressed to reduce unused space.

In the bag of the type shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the portion 12 of the bag is made using conventional equipment. The bag opening 16 may be formed with slits or cutouts at the bag surface, and the slider 20 is installed using conventional equipment. In the various embodiments disclosed, the bag opening 16 can be made shorter, and most of the bag opening 16 length can be sealed. The slider can move a short distance, about as long as its length. In production, the slider is positioned to leave a small opening 17 and a nozzle is inserted into the opening 17 to fill the container. The slider then moves briefly to seal the opening and remains in position after sale. The user can access through a straw inserted into the passage 26.

For beverage packs made of soft materials or used by children, the contents may be unintentionally ejected when pressure is applied to the sides of the bag. The bags in FIGS. 12 and 13 are configured such that the valve 80 allows fluid to flow out of the bag interior 14. Such a valve is configured to remain locked until a predetermined pressure value is reached. This pressure level is set, for example, higher than the normal pressure the bag usually experiences. Preferably, the pressure value is set to require minimal suction when the bag itself or the side surface of the bag is compressed. In this way, the contents of the bag can be reduced or avoided inadvertently ejected. The passageway is of a suitable size to allow only a limited volume of flow and to prevent sudden ejection of the fluid.

In another embodiment, the bag 10 has a slider with two edge portions 48. The bag opening 16 is always closed on both sides of the slider 20. In another example, the slider has a passage 26 without a valve 80 so that the passage is always open. Panels 30 and 32 are hermetically sealed together in all parts under slider 20, except for the small part. Thus, the bag 10 is sealed at all positions of the slider 20 except where the slider is located so that the passage 26 is located just above the open portion. The position of the slider in this embodiment serves as a valve for opening and closing the passage. In production, the slider is initially placed over the opening to receive the nozzle into the passageway, for example filling the bag with a beverage. The slider is then pushed to the side to seal the contents during transportation or storage. At the time of purchase, the consumer moves the slider to the open position and inserts a straw into the contents.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is directed to preferred embodiments and that various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the embodiment is for a bag having one or two bodies, but more bodies may be used for the single bag of the present invention. Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but are not described in further detail herein.

Claims (22)

(a) a bag portion forming a bag interior and a bag opening; (b) means for opening and closing the bag opening, wherein the means       (i) opposing engagement portions formed along the bag opening, the opposing engagement portions being sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged; And       (ii) in the bag opening, disposed between the opposing engagement portions such that the engagement portion engages or disengages as it moves, and is configured to seal the bag opening when positioned at one end of the bag opening; With a slider; (c) a passage within said slider, said passage providing entry between said interior of said bag and an outer region of said bag; And (d) means for selectively opening and closing the passage; It contains, And the entrance can optionally be provided between the inside of the bag and the outer region of the bag through the passage when the slider moves to the end of the bag opening to close the bag opening. 2. The opening and closing bag according to claim 1, wherein the means for opening and closing the passage is a one-way valve. 3. The retractable bag of claim 2, wherein the one-way valve is configured to allow entry into the bag from the outer zone and block entry from the inside of the bag to the outer zone. 3. The retractable bag of claim 2, wherein the one-way valve is configured to allow entry into the outer zone from the inside of the bag and block entry into the bag from the outer zone. 5. The retractable bag of claim 4, wherein said passageway is configured such that said suction device is connectable to allow entry into said bag when suctioned by said suction device. 6. The retractable bag of claim 5, wherein said passageway is sized and shaped to receive a removable suction device. 3. The retractable bag of claim 2, wherein the one-way valve is one of a ball valve, a pinch valve, a flapper valve, an air valve, or a check valve. 2. The retractable bag of claim 1, wherein the slider has opposing side surfaces, the side surfaces being configured to slidably engage one of the opposing engagement portions along the bag opening, respectively. . 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one of the opposing engagement portions is comprised of a projection, and the other of the opposing engagement portions is composed of a recess, and the side surface slidably engaged with the engagement projection is a recess. And the side surface slidably engaged with the engagement recess includes a protrusion. 2. The opening and closing bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider has a shape complementary to the shape of the end of the bag opening so that the slider can form a seal with respect to the end of the bag opening. . 2. The slider of claim 1 wherein the slider includes a first detent and the bag includes a second detent positioned adjacent the end of the bag opening, the first detent and the second detent. And the detent is configured to engage each other when the slider is moved to the closed position. 12. The retractable bag of claim 11, wherein said first detent and said second detent are ridges configured to form a snap fit when said slider is moved to said closed position. As a slider for opening and closing the bag opening of the bag, The bag opening has an opposing engagement, and the slider is comprised of a movable body in the bag opening disposed between the opposing engagement so that the engagement is engaged or disengaged as it moves. Slider. The method of claim 13, (a) a passage within said body, said passage providing entry between an interior of said bag and an outer region of said bag; And (b) means for selectively opening and closing the passage; It contains, A slider may be selectively provided between the inside of the bag and the outer region of the bag through the passageway. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said means for selectively opening and closing said passageway comprises a one-way valve, said one-way valve comprising: (a) allow entry from the outer zone into the bag and block entry from the inside of the bag to the outer zone; (b) a slider configured to permit entry from the inside of the bag into the outer zone and block entry from the outside zone into the bag. As a way to close the bag, The bag has an openable opening having a first end and a second end, the method comprising: (a) moving a slider located in the openable opening from the first end to the second end to close the openable opening; (b) engaging said slider with said second end to seal said openable opening; And (c) providing entry between the interior of the bag and the outer region of the bag through a passage in the slider; How to close the bag comprising a. The method of claim 16 wherein the bag contains the contents, (a) inserting into the passage a hollow tube having an insertion end and a free end for insertion into the passage; (b) performing suction on the free end to remove the contents of the bag; And (c) removing the hollow tube from the passageway; The method of closing the bag further comprising. As an openable bag, (a) a bag portion forming a bag interior and a bag opening; (b) a slider for opening and closing the bag opening; (c) an element disposed between two edges of the bag and having a passageway; And (d) means for opening and closing the passage; Openable bag, characterized in that it comprises a. 19. The retractable bag of claim 18, wherein said element is said slider. 19. A retractable bag as claimed in claim 18, wherein the element is disposed between two edges of the bag that do not form the bag opening. 19. The retractable bag of claim 18, wherein said element is disposed between two edges of said bag forming said bag opening. As an openable bag, (a) a bag portion forming a bag opening; (b) opposing engagement portions formed along the bag opening; And (c) a slider in said bag opening, said slider disposed between said opposing engagement portions to engage or disengage said engagement portion as it moves; It contains, And the slider opens and closes the bag opening by moving along the bag opening.

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